Download guide continent pouch

Care at home
GUIDE
Continent pouch
2 contents | foreword
Contents
3Foreword
15 Coping with the pouch
in daily life
4 Cause & prerequisites of pouch creation
6
Construction of the pouch
7
Emptying urine
(catheterisation technique)
15Severe disability, social counselling
and legal matters
16References
17 Urine measurement
9Rehabilitation & aftercare
18Product: Flocath® indiana-mainz
11Complications
20 Important addresses / self-help groups
14Nutrition
Care at home 3
Foreword
Dear patient,
The purpose of this brochure is to give you important information before and after the creation of a continent pouch
and its connection to the abdominal skin (pouch). It will help
you to adjust more effectively to your new situation. You will
also be given valuable information about potential problems
that may occur with the pouch construction. The brochure
gives you a lot of factual information but is not a substitute for
personal advice already given by your physician.
If it is necessary to remove your own bladder because of
malignant bladder disease or severe malformation of or
damage to the bladder, a pouch can be formed from your
own bowel to collect the urine. This is emptied regularly
by you using a disposable catheter.
This brochure lists many potential problems which may occur
with a pouch. The overwhelming majority of patients, however, cope with a pouch very well. And if there are problems,
please seek advice from your Consultant or Physician.
Dr. Winfried Vahlensieck (Lecturer)
Medical Director, Head of the Department of Urology,
Oncology and Nephrology
Wildetal Rehabilitation Hospital
Kliniken Hartenstein GmbH
Mühlenstr. 8 • D-34537 Bad Wildungen-Reinhardshausen
Tel.: +49 5621 8810-30 • Fax: +49 5621 8810-10
Email: Winfried.Vahlensieck@t-online.de
www.kliniken-hartenstein.de
4 cause & prerequisites of pouch creation
Cause & prerequisites of
pouch creation
Image supplied by: SPC Nottwil
The bladder is a hollow organ in the abdomen. It stores urine
– a mixture of water, salts, toxins and proteins which is
formed by purifying the blood in the kidneys. The bladder
has a muscle wall which allows it to become larger or
smaller according to whether urine is stored or excreted.
The bladder wall is lined with several layers of cells known
as transitional cells.
The urine travels from the kidneys via tube-shaped organs,
the ureters, into the urinary bladder and leaves the urinary
bladder via another tube, the urethra.
Bladder tumour during cystoscopy
There are various reasons why it can
prove necessary in medical terms to remove
the bladder:
Because of a malignant tumour, inherited malformations such
as bladder exstrophy (or as part of acquired bladder diseases
such as severe urinary incontinence) or shrunken bladder
which can no longer be controlled in any other way. In such
cases, a continent (urine-tight) reservoir in the form of a
pouch (non-orthotopic reconstruction) is constructed from
the bowel. This reservoir in the abdomen is emptied by patients themselves several times a day using a catheter.
Besides this method, there is also the option of creating a
moist side outlet for the urine or stoma (conveying the urine
to the skin through a short section cut from the small or large
intestine: ileal, colonic or sigmoid conduit, from the Latin
word conducere meaning to lead, or by direct suture of the
ureters to the skin: ureter skin fistula). Or other urine-tight
Renal pelvis
Ureter
Bladder
Neck of the bladder
Urethra
Urethral opening
Urinary tract in women
Care at home 5
The Indiana pouch is primarily formed from parts of the large intestine. A Mainz
pouch in contrast consists of approximately one third small and two thirds large
intestine. The ileal pouch is formed from pieces of small intestine only. The
pouch is connected in all cases with the opening in the abdomen by a piece of
small intestine (or caecum, if present).
forms of urinary drainage such as orthotopic reconstruction
of the bladder or pouch (a bladder made from bowel tissue
connected to the patient’s own urethra) or implantation of the
ureters into the bowel (Mainz pouch II, uretrosigmoidostomy).
Indiana pouch
Mainz pouch
What procedure is the most suitable will be decided for the
individual patient on the basis of considerations such as manual dexterity, primary and concomitant diseases, the condition of the bowel and, in the case of tumour patients, by the
nature and extent of the tumour. The final decision on which
procedure to choose is often taken only during the operation.
Ileal pouch (modified Koch pouch, T-pouch)
When can a pouch not be created
•• In cases of poor kidney (blood creatinine > 1.8 mg/dl)
or liver function. Because deterioration in kidney and liver
function may occur when constituents of the urine are
reabsorbed from the pouch.
•• If self-catheterisation or catheterisation by other means
is not possible (e.g. after amputation of an arm, in cases of
severe trembling or severe visual disorders).
•• Damage to the bowel means that it is not possible to use
the required amount of bowel to form a pouch (damage by
previous radiotherapy, chronic inflammation such as
Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, cases where longer
sections of the bowel have already been used after partial
removal of the bowel or for previous discharge of urine).
•• If life expectancy is less than one year, the creation of a
pouch must be carefully considered.
Prostate
External sphincter
Penis
Urinary tract in men
6 construction of the pouch | emptying urine
Construction of the pouch
The gastrointestinal tract, which begins in the throat, is
several metres long and similar to folded tubing. It consists
of the alimentary canal, stomach and the various sections
of the small and large intestine and ends at the anus.
Depending on the shape of the pouch, it consists of a larger
or smaller piece of large intestine, small intestine or of the
end of the small intestine with the beginning of the large
intestine. The bowel portions are cut from the whole bowel.
The remaining bowel is sutured together again.
A portion of bowel is diverted and made into urinary collection
pouch. The ureters are cut away from the patient’s own diseased bladder and sutured anew into the pouch. The pouch
is then connected to the hollow of the navel (called the navel
stoma) via a hidden continence mechanism (which does not
tend to leak). If this is not possible, the nipple is sutured to
another region of the abdomen. It consists either of a narrowed
piece of small intestine or of the appendage of the caecum.
The technique used to suture a pouch prevents excessive
pressure from forming. The pouch shape prevents the urine
from flowing out through the outlet valve of the pouch, known
as the nipple, or back to the kidneys under high pressure.
To empty the urine, the pouch must be emptied via the navel
stoma using an intermittent catheter (as it cannot be emptied
spontaneously). Patients have to do this themselves several
times a day (self-catheterisation).
Advantages of a pouch
•• generally continent (over 90 %)
•• relative protection from infections
•• hardly any impairment of quality to life as there is
a good cosmetic result
Disadvantages of a pouch
•• self-catheterisation requirement
•• possible vitamin deficiency (B12, folic acid)
•• potentially increased incidence of diarrhoea
•• increased risk of gall or kidney stones
Remedy: thorough ability to self-catheterise, compensate
vitamin deficiency, high-fibre diet, medicines and foods that
promote constipation, regular monitoring and sufficient fluid
intake.
Kidneys
Stomach
Large intestine
Small intestine
Caecum
Appendage
Hindgut/rectum
Anus
Ureter
Umbilical
stoma and
stoma
opening
Pouch
made from
bowel tissue
Care at home 7
Emptying urine
(catheterisation technique)
The following rules have been routinely tested when dealing
with continent pouch:
•• Practice catheterisation several times with experienced
nurses or carers.
•• Wash your hands before catheterisation with unperfumed
soap. You do not need to wear gloves nor do you generally
need to use disinfectant.
•• You can catheterise standing, sitting or lying down.
•• The nipple opening can be cleaned with cotton wool
soaked in soap or alcohol (or by whatever means you have
been taught by your Healthcare Professional).
The catheter diameter is selected depending on stoma
diameter and mucus secretion. Catheters which are too thin
may kink and those which are too thick are difficult to insert.
As a rule, catheters with a diameter of 14–16 Charrière
(1 Charrière = 1/3 millimetre) are used. There are many types
of intermittent catheters on the market. Some are pre lubricated with gel, some need lubricant adding and some require
‘coating’ activation in order to become lubricated. Your
Healthcare Professional will be able to best advise you on
which is the best product for you.
Your assessment should conclude which is the best catheter
for you. In normal circumstances, you should be given the
opportunity to try a straight tip (Nelaton), a curved (Tiemann)
or a flexible Ergothan tip. Whether a straight (Nelaton) or
curved (Tiemann) catheter tip is more suitable or also a flexible Ergothan tip, will be tested during the self-catheterisation assessment. Occasionally, catheters with extra large
“eyes” (outlets) are better suited to complete the drainage of
the mucus in the pouch.
The type of catheter sometimes has to be changed because
of changes in the stoma (narrowing of the scarring,
subsequent surgery). Individual, sterile packed disposable
catheters are used.
The catheter is inserted into the pouch opening (stoma and
generally the navel) making sure the catheter surface which
penetrates the pouch is not touched with the hands. This is
achieved by taking hold of the catheter right at the back during insertion or by holding the catheter with the opened
packaging when advancing it. When learning self-catheterisation under instruction from nurses or carers, patients
learn to recognise the direction in which they have to push
the catheter. When the catheter is advanced carefully, which
is usually achieved without causing pain, the catheter tip
reaches the pouch after overcoming minor resistance. If you
notice resistance, which cannot be overcome by careful
pressure, rotate the catheter a little. Now the urine begins to
flow out. If the flow of urine stops, move the catheter carefully up and down. In this way, the residual urine can also
flow out of the pouch. The pouch should always be completely
emptied. Complete emptying of the pouch can be assisted
by pressure on the stomach, by abdominal pressure or by
changing the position of the catheter. Depending on the patient, it takes between two and thirty minutes to empty the
pouch. The urine is simply emptied into the toilet or into a
collecting vessel via the catheter. If required, catheters with
a urine bag already attached may be used. When the pouch
has been completely emptied, remove the catheter, dispose
of it and wash your hands.
Catheterisation through the navel/stoma
8 emptying urine | rehabilitation & aftercare
8 xxx
It is common to have a production of mucus following a pouch
creation. In some cases, the mucus may obstruct the catheter.
Mucus formation frequently reduces after several months
as the mucus-producing cells known as goblet cells become
fewer. Some patients have to rinse permanently, however.
The frequency of rinsing depends on the degree of mucus
formation. Some patients have to rinse at every catheterisation; others only very rarely or as required (obstruction of
the disposable catheter).
fullness, pressure or cramping. If there is any doubt and for
monitoring purposes as well, the quantity of urine emptied
over one day (24 hours) can be measured from time to time
using a measuringcup (e.g. plastic household measuring
cup). Not emptying the pouch frequently enough may result
in overdistension of the pouch which in the long term could
cause kidney damage. In addition, the highly stretched mucosa of the pouch has a poorer blood supply and is thus more
vulnerable to infections.
As a rule, the pouch should be emptied by the clock immediately after the operation and later every 4 to 6 hours so that
the quantity of urine emptied is generally not more than
600 ml. It should also be emptied once at night as a rule. After
the surgical wound has healed many patients perceive that
the pouch is full and needs emptying through a sensation of
In the case of inflammation, blockage by mucus, substantial
overdistension of the pouch or during chemotherapy, it may
be worth using an indwelling catheter for a period to unblock
the pouch continually, so that inflammation regresses, the
mucus reduces in quantity and the pouch recovers. If it is impossible in certain situations to empty the pouch using a disposable catheter, an indwelling catheter can also be inserted
temporarily to stretch the stoma. In this case, the indwelling
catheter is emptied into a urine bag (attached to the bed or
the leg).
Different types of
catheter Tips:
Ergothan Tip
Our patented Ergothan tip is the most flexible
and perfectly adapts to the urethral anatomy.
It adjusts optimally to every movement and glides
easily and gently into the bladder. The conical
form enables a very gentle insertion with minimal
pressure on the sensitive urethral mucosa.
Nelaton Tip
For the anatomically normal urethra the straight
cylindrical Nelaton tip is easily used.
Tiemann Tip
The curved Tiemann tip ensures highest control
during catheterisation of the male urethra.
Magnified catheter eye. The
example shown here is of an
eye that is polished internally
and externally (SafetyCat®).
Care at home 9
The need for a cover of the continent cutaneous stoma
should be assessed and the best suitable chosen. Special
plasters are available with a layer called a hydrocolloid layer
which can absorb the escaping urine to some extent. It is
important to watch out for adverse effects on the skin caused
by the escaping urine or the plaster. The make of plaster
may have to be changed if there is more severe skin irritation.
If the stoma leaks substantially it can be treated with a
combination of urine bag and adhesive pad, as is also the
case with a moist side outlet for the urine.
Factors making it more difficult to learn to
empty the pouch with the catheter
•• anxiety
•• unclear instructions
•• lack of motivation to learn self-catheterisation
•• lack of instructions
Remedy: speak to physicians, nurses and other people with
pouches. Access the support material available to you either
on the internet or from the hospital literature library.
Rehabilitation & aftercare
Rehabilitation
Within 14 days of discharge after creation of the pouch
patients can start follow-up rehabilitation, which generally
lasts three to four weeks, preferably as an in-patient in a
specialist urological rehabilitation department. Rehabilitation
is organised by social workers in the acute department.
Patients have the right to express their wishes and exercise
the right to choose the rehabilitation department. Rehabili­
tation after pouch creation is an important part of the whole
treatment process. During rehabilitation, patients can regain
their strength after the procedure and short-term assessments
of the pouch and the resulting changes/advances in the healing processare monitored until stabilised. In addition,
patients learn to cope with the pouch and, in particular, with
the correct way to perform self-catheterisation.
The most important aim of rehabilitation is to improve quality
of life after pouch creation. The medical team develops a
rehabilitation plan tailored to the physical and psychological
needs of the patient in question. The procedures in the plan
help patients to resume their usual activities as soon as
possible. Pouch patients and their families can discuss all
questions about rehabilitation and aftercare with the
medical team after creation of a pouch.
Patients with a pouch should learn to accept the changed
body function and learn to look after themselves through
self-catheterisation. They should also learn, through independent evaluation and assessments, to recognize the early
signs of emerging problems (complications). The patient’s
metabolic condition (overacidification = metabolic acidosis,
vitamin B12 deficiency) is stabilised by alkali citrate-containing medicines, bicarbonates, suitable bicarbonate-rich
mineral waters and treatment with vitamins.
10 rehabilitation & aftercare
Psychology
Aftercare
Psychosocial, psychological or psychiatric support (for working through problems associated with a tumour as well) is
offered during rehabilitation. At the request of the patient
and/or family, contact with psychiatrists or psychologists
can be arranged. This specially trained group of therapists
offers support in working through a disease and promotes
psychological stabilisation after pouch creation and confrontation with the “cancer” diagnosis, if necessary. Specific
subjects are discussed such as body image and experience,
the connection between pouch and sexuality, feelings of
helplessness, depression, anxieties about loss or the future
and reintegration in social activities. Contact with other pouch
patients can also help to overcome the problems mentioned.
Lifetime aftercare for pouch users is given by a specialist
urologist. In particularly acute problems, which may also
require surgery, patients can contact the department of
urology which undertook the operation or another urology
department. In the first 2 years after the operation, assessments take place every 2–3 months as a rule, then every six
months up to 5 years after the operation and once a year
thereafter. The intervals between examinations depend on
the primary disease (benign or malignant?) and kidney
function in particular.
Care by social workers
At the request of the patients or their family, contact can
also be arranged with a social worker. Special subjects in
this case are advice on rights under social security legislation,
such as problems in the workplace cased by absenteeism
associated with the disease, financial concerns, questions
about pension rights or the issue of a pass for the severly
disabled in particular.
At assessments, blood values are given special attention. It is
important to ensure that the blood salts do not get into a
mess and that kidney and liver values do not increase. In addition, testing should be carried out as required to ensure
that the blood is not becoming too acidic. This risk results
from the reabsorption of urine constituents into the body by
the bowel mucosa of the pouch and if fluid intake is too low.
Shortening of the bowel can result in reduced absorption of
vitamin B12 into the body and thus in anaemia. Vitamin B12
should be monitored, therefore, from the 3rd year after the
operation or simultaneously administered. If bladder cancer
has been present, the urine should be tested at least once a
year for malignant cells (urine cytology) in the mucosa of
the ureters and renal pelvis.
Care at home 11
Disorders of bowel movements (diarrhoea, tendency to intestinal obstruction = subileus) are generally overcome after
approx. one to three months by specific nutritional advice and
appropriate medicines. Sometimes it is not until adhesions
occur that later intestinal problems, for example incipient intestinal obstruction (subileus), are induced. When portions
of the bowel are interposed in the urinary tract with prolonged
urinary retention as is the case with a pouch, growths, generally benign, can be expected to occur more frequently in
the intestinal mucosa, which means that regular endoscopic
assessments (cystoscopy, pouchoscopy) are recommended at
least once a year from the third postoperative year.
Regular ultrasound assessments should ensure that the
kidneys continue to drain routinely and that the pouch has
completely emptied itself after catheterisation. If required,
X-ray examination of the kidneys and efferent urinary tract
(intravenous pyelogram) or of the pouch (pouchography)
can be performed.
Complications
Disorders in the pouch itself
Rare cases of leakage which sometimes only occur later
(< 10 %) or narrowing of the stoma (10–15 %) can be rectified
by an operation (recreation of the stoma for leakage; distension, slitting or open surgery in case of closed stoma), if
this cannot be achieved through a stoma plaster or another
catheter.
Bleeding during self-catheterisation is generally harmless
and transient. More severe injuries to the stoma (sometimes
caused by self-catheterisation) heal either spontaneously or
after insertion of an indwelling catheter for a period ranging
from several days to weeks. Twisted catheters very rarely
happen during self-catheterisation. If this occurs, attempts
are made to remove the catheter via cystoscopy. Perforation
(piercing through) or tearing (rupture) of the pouch is remedied either by insertion of an indwelling catheter for longer
periods or by an operation.
Special attention should be paid in particular to mucosal
obstruction of the pouch which can lead to overfilling and
backlog in the kidneys. This may promote inflammation
with fever, kidney ailure or the formation of urinary stones.
With straightforward obstruction, patients can rinse the
pouch themselves during catheterisation. In cases of
prolonged obstruction, the pouch must be emptied by being
rinsed out by a physician or during cystoscopy.
Bacteria are found in the pouch in 50–92 % of pouch patients.
These should only be treated, when an infection occurs accompanied by discomfort (e.g. fever, chills, pain in the triangle
between the lowest ribs and the spine, nausea, the urge to
vomit, foul-smelling urine, more mucus than usual) and/or if
there are increased inflammatory blood parameters.
If there is evidence of urinary stones in the pouch, the latter
should be crushed and suctioned, which can generally be
performed endoscopically (using an endoscope). Rinsing the
pouch twice a week with physiological saline solution reduces
the risk of recurrent urinary stones. In addition, if stones
are present in the pouch, it is especially important to ensure
sufficient fluid intake.
12 complications
If it is suspected that there is an opening in the pouch, an
abnormal connection with the skin (fistula) or a urinary
stone in the pouch, an X-ray examination called pouchography
can be performed via the stoma.
After several years, mostly benign tumours of the intestinal
mucosa sometimes occur in the pouch. A once yearly inspection of the pouch (pouchoscopy) is therefore recommended
from the 5th year after the operation.
In some cases, narrowing may occur at the junction of the
ureters with the pouch. This results in a kidney backlog
which is diagnosed in ultrasound examination as it does not
generally cause discomfort. This narrowing must be dealt
with surgically, which is sometimes performed from inside
outwards (endoscopically) and if not by open surgery. If the
function of the affected kidney is severely impaired, treatment
is not required. The other healthy kidney then takes over
detoxification of the body on its own.
In rare cases (approx. 5 %), the pouch is converted into another form of urinary drainage (generally a moist side outlet
for the urine) because of more serious problems.
Metabolic disorders
In terms of significant metabolic disorder, overacidification
of the body (metabolic acidosis) can occur in approx. 50 %
of patients because of reabsorption by the body of urinary
acid into the body. The mucosa of the pouch is intended to
absorb substances into the body. In the long contact times between the pouch mucosa and the urine, increased quantities
of acid substances from the urine can be absorbed into the
blood. This causes overacification of the blood.
Patients themselves often become aware of this through severe general and muscular weakness, pain in the arms, legs
or abdomen, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, the urge to
vomit or vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, accelerated respiration and a strikingly grey skin colour. As a result of
overacidification, there is a shift in acid values and/or salts
in the blood such as potassium or magnesium.
This overacidification of the blood can be compensated for
by bicarbonate-containing medicines. Bicarbonate is a substance occurring naturally in the body and not a chemical
drug. Because of the potential for overacidification, assessments of blood gas values (blood gas analysis) are necessary
to monitor the extent of acidification of the blood. In many
cases, the mucosa of the pouch changes with time, however,
so that fewer urinary acids are absorbed into the body and
bicarbonate need no longer be taken.
In rare cases, vitamin B12 deficiency followed by anaemia
may occur. Many urologists, therefore, monitor vitamin B12
or administer the vitamin directly without monitoring from
the 3rd year after the operation as a monthly injection. Until
then, the reserves present in the body are generally sufficient.
In severe overacidification of the body, decalcification of the
bone (osteoporosis) may occur later. Regular physical exercise and compensation for overacidification have a preventive
effect here. It may prove necessary to measure calcium,
vitamin D and what is known as parathyroid hormone in the
blood. In the case of calcium and/or vitamin D, which are
important for healthy bones, the former can be administered
in the form of a medicine. Too high a parathyroid hormone
can be reduced by drugs or an operation.
Disorders of intestinal function
Disorders of bowel movements caused by removing a piece
of bowel of varying length for the pouch can sometimes result
in transient disorders for 8–12 weeks such as nausea, feelings of fullness and loss of appetite. It is important at this
time to eat a diet that does not cause flatulence. Because the
bowel has been shortened, sometimes by 80 cm, there is a
tendency to diarrhoea (short-bowel syndrome) in about 20 %
of patients because increased amounts of fluid are lost when
stools are passed as well as bile acids and fats and further
transport of the content of the bowel is accelerated. Foods
(fats) which increase the risk of diarrhea should generally be
avoided. In persistent diarrhoea, drugs such as bile acid sequestrants or substances that have a calming effect on bowel
activity help.
Sexuality and fertility
If the whole bladder also has to be removed when creating
the pouch, the prostate gland with the seminal vesicle and
possibly the nerves that are important for penile erection are
also taken out in men and, in women, the uterus and possibly
the ovaries and part of the vaginal wall are removed.
Men lose the ability to father a child as they have no seminal
fluid which is produced in the prostate. They often lose the
ability to have an erection. Specialists talk in terms of erectile
dysfunction (impotence). The nerves responsible for erection
run directly along the prostate and can be damaged during
the operation. The capacity for erotic experience (sexual desire, libido) and capacity for orgasm are generally retained,
however, even though seminal fluid is no longer ejaculated.
This is called dry orgasm or lack of ejaculation. If necessary,
there are several options for artificially inducing erection:
Care at home 13
using medicines (Cialis®, Levitra®, Viagra®), by injection
therapy into the penis (SKAT), by uretheral tablet (MUSE),
with a vacuum pump (VEHS) or a penile prosthesis which is
implanted during surgery. So sexual intercourse can be
made possible in many cases. The treating neurologist can
explain the advantages and disadvantages.
Women can no longer become pregnant because they do not
have a uterus. Many female patients have already passed the
menopause, however, by the time their bladder is removed.
The vagina may become narrower or shorter because of the
operation. They still have the ability to have sex as a rule,
but this may be impaired. If necessary, the vagina can be
stretched or widened surgically. Sensations can also change.
If you use water-soluble, non-perfumed, colourless lubricant,
the penis can slide into the vagina more easily. In younger
women, female hormones (tablets, hormonal patch, hormonal
creams) may be useful after the ovaries have been removed if
they experience more severe discomfort because of hormone
deficiency (e.g. hot flushes or mood swings).
When there is a desire for children, samples of tissue from the
ovaries or ova are removed during the operation in the case
of a woman and sperm samples obtained before the operation in the case of a man can be frozen. Sperm cells can also
be obtained from men after the operation from a sample of
testicular tissue.
Urine pregnancy tests may yield false results after creation
of a pouch when the uterus and ovaries are retained. In this
situation, therefore, blood samples should be used in pregnancy tests.
During the late phase of pregnancy in a pouch patient, the
pouch should be drained constantly with an indwelling catheter. The patient should give birth by Caesarian section.
Warning signs that the patient should look
out for (a visit to the doctor is required)
•• fever, chills, pain in the triangle between the lowest
ribs and the spine, foul-smelling urine
•• reduced excretion of urine
•• the pouch cannot be rinsed
•• lower abdominal pain
•• sensation of fullness in the stomach
•• a lot of blood in the urine (a few drops of blood can
be related to catheterisation)
•• general and muscular weakness, pain in the arms,
legs or stomach, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea,
vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, accelerated respiration,
grey coloured skin
14 nutrition | coping with the pouch in daily life | severe disability, social counseling and legal matters
Nutrition
Disorders of bowel function may occur, particularly in the
first 8 to 12 weeks, because a substantial part of the intestine has been removed to form the pouch and the remaining
intestine has been sutured.
For this reason, patients should refrain as far as possible
from eating food that causes flatulence (cabbage, onion,
leeks, garlic, peas, lentils, beans).
Drinks containing carbonic acid (fizzy drinks) should also
be avoided at this time. Diarrhoea is common as the intestine has been shortened; so it is recommended that foods
with natural laxative effects be avoided or consumed in very
small quantities. Examples are very fatty foods but please
seek further advice for a more elaborate list. Foods that promote constipation such as chocolate and bananas may help.
Overall, fibre-rich food with a lot of vegetables and little fat
and meat is preferable. Preserved fruit juice concentrates
tend to make the urine alkaline, promoting infections and should
be avoided. After
the initial postoperative
weeks have
passed, an
individual can
find out
which
food and
drinks cannot be tolerated and are generally to be avoided.
The level of fluid intake, as a rule 2.5–3 litres, should be
selected so that 2–3 litres of urine are produced every day.
It is higher than it is in people without a pouch, because fluid is lost through the pouch as well as via the kidneys and
the shortened intestine can absorb less fluid into the body.
This can include enjoying soups and favourite drinks. If fever or other factors lead to heavy sweating, fluid intake must
be increased. Too high a fluid intake (more than 3.5 litres)
should be avoided, as the salts may be lost from the body.
In addition, catheterisation then has to be more frequent
which increases the risk of urinary infection. If fluid intake
is too low, there is a danger of mucosal obstruction, stones
or infections in the pouch arising.
The formation of mucus and tendency to urinary infections
can often be reduced by drinking approx. 2 x 150 ml cranberry juice (the American cranberry comes from North
America; look for the juice in well-stocked supermarkets).
Alternatively, 1 cup of herb tea can be
drunk 4 times daily. 1 tablespoon
of a mixture made up of 50 g
birch leaves, 40 g stinging
nettle, 5 g rose hips and 5 g
marigold blossoms, obtainable from pharmacies, is
added to 150 ml water.
Care at home 15
Coping with the
pouch in daily life
Naturally, every patient needs to get used to the new pouch
in his or her own time. After complete healing of the wound –
after 3 months – the surgical wound is mechanically stable
so that all normal daily activities can be undertaken. Activities which cause extreme increases in pressure on the stomach such as pursuing weight lifting, rowing or martial arts as
a hobby or lifting, pulling or carrying heavy loads weighing
more than 10 kg should no longer be undertaken to keep the
risk of hernia at a low level.
The pouch may mislead patients into believing that they only
need to empty their bladders infrequently as the urge to urinate is not experienced in the same way as with a natural
bladder. This may lead, however, to chronic overdistension,
increased overacidification of the blood as well as to subsequent kidney damage so that it is important to remember to
empty the pouch sufficiently frequently.
It is generally possible to put on a safety belt in thexcar or
when flying without problems.
It is important to carry a pass which describes in detail the
technique used to create the pouch. In case of accident, any
surgeons operating on the stomach know exactly what the
situation is. This prevents the blood supply to the pouch being accidentally cut through. In addition, it ensures that an
indwelling catheter is inserted for the pouch and that the latter does not burst. It also helps to clear up any uncertainties
at airport passenger checks. When travelling, it is also important to take sufficient catheters, preferably in the hand
luggage, or to have a sufficiently large number of catheters
sent to the holiday destination. There are no restrictions on
swimming and visits to the sauna.
Severe disability, social counseling
and legal matters
Capacity to work and restrictions on professional life
If the disease takes its normal course, pouch users are able
to perform light physical work for shifts of six hours or more
on a full-time basis in their working life. It is reasonable to
expect to resume employment within two to six months after
the operation.
As a rule, all operations in which the stomach wall is sectioned
involve severe neuromuscular disorders (paraesthesia or pain
at the wound, particularly during rotating movements) for 3–6
months. After this period, patients are generally pain-free.
16 severe disability, social counseling and legal matters | literature | urine measurement
With a pouch, no physical work should generally be undertaken
that leads to pronounced increases in intra-abdominal pressure
(abdominal press). There is an increased risk of unintended
loss of urine via the stoma or of hernia. The kind of work in
question includes frequent bending down and kneeling or work
involving lifting and carrying without aids and working on
ladders and scaffolding as well as overhead work, all of which
should be avoided.
Toilets must have facilities for pouch users to self-catheterise
every two to three hours. These should include at the very
least storage facilities and a waste bin with a lid in the cubicle
– and in the men’s toilets too – as well as a wash basin. A disabled toilet meets all these requirements. The normal hygiene
requirements for toilets are sufficient.
Mobility
As a rule, mobility is not restricted after creation of a pouch.
Exceptions are residual nerve lesions in the legs (e.g. weakness
of the calf muscles because of damage to the peroneal nerve)
or severely congested lymph flow in the lower extremities.
Prescribing the necessary aids
Patients with pouchs are entitled to the prescription of
sufficient disposable materials with which to perform catheterisation of the pouch. This includes, in particular, a sufficient
number of sterile disposable catheters (intermittent catheters)
as well as the accompanying tools required such as concealer
plaster in case small quantities of urine are lost from the
pouch stoma.
Regular fluid intake of approx. 2.5–3 l/day spread over the day
must be possible.
Long-term damage to muscle and the nervous system must be
assessed on an individual basis. In the case of extensive abdominal wall hernias, surgery should be attempted but is not
always successful. Reassessment of capacity can be indicated
after a hernia operation. In individual cases, capacity to work
may no longer exist after an unsuccessful operation or if surgery proves impossible.
When an advanced tumour is present, patients often no longer
have the capacity for professional activity.
Degree of disability
After creation of a pouch there is the issue of artificial urinary
drainage outside the body. The availability of a good treatment option means that a 50 % degree of disability should be
conceded. When there are problems such as narrowing,
retraction of the stoma or problems with urine-tightness, the
degree of disability increases, depending on the severity of
the problems, to 60–80 %.
Underlying bladder cancer should be taken into account in
assessing the degree of disability. In the case of bladder
tumours without lymph node or distant metastasis (spread of
the tumour into lymph nodes or distant organs such as bone
or lung), the degree of disability is 80 % and with lymph node
or distant metastasis 100 %.
Literature
(a selection)
Attachment to § 2 of the German Medical Health Care
Ordinance of 10.12.2008
Bladder Cancer The Blue Guide Volume 18
Rübben H, Dunst J, Küchler Th, German Cancer Aid (2008)
Good Practice in Health Care Continent
Urinary Diversion
Geng V, Eelen P, Fillingham S, Holroyd S, Kiesbye B,
Pearce I, Vahr S, European Association of Urology Nurses
(EAUN) (2010)
Continent catheterisable pouches for
urinary diversion
Rink M, Kluth L, Eichelberg E, Fisch M, Dahlem R
Eur Urol Suppl 9 (2010) 754-762
Care at home 17
Urine measurement
Name
Time
Date
Fluid intake
Amount of urine
Total
You can easily use this table as a master copy to make further copies.
Remarks
18 flocath indiana-mainz
INFORMATION
Combines the Flocath hydrophilic
technology with diversified
drainage openings.
iNTERMITTENT CATHETERS WITH HYDROPHILIC COATING
FLOCATH Hydrogel INDIANA MAINZ
A new generation of pouch catheter
The Flocath Hydrogel Indiana Mainz is especially developed
for pouch catheterisation and sets new standards for safety
and comfort. A Flocath catheter is adapted to the needs of a
reconstructed bladder and combines the Flocath hydrophilic
technology with diversified drainage openings for an unobstructed, clean and safe catheterisation.
Approved safety
the Flocath catheter, made of DEHP-free PVC, offers four
catheter eyes vertically cut and softly rounded to ensure
reliable and clean drainage despite postoperative
increased mucus production
the flexible curved and tapered Tiemann tip enables high
control for pouch catheterisation
the silky hydrophilic coating of the catheter, based on
PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone), provides a fast and homogeneous hydration, high biocompatibility and is resistant
to abrasion; superior lubricant qualities allow it to slide
easily into position
Comfortable application
the special Flocath coating offers significantly lower
friction than conventional coatings *
extended dry-out time up to 10–15 minutes allows a
relaxed catheterisation
Additional – to activate the hydrophilic coating the
catheter has to be wetted by, preferably, sterile water or
saline solution
Handy – the sterile packaging can be opened on both sides
Expandable – if a drainage bag is needed, it can be
connected with the funnel at the end of the catheter
Individual – Flocath Hydrogel Indiana Mainz is
available in different diameters (sizes)
*Measurement of friction based on method described by the SP Swedish National Testing and Research Institute.
Care at home 19
application information *
Flocath Hydrogel
Step #1
Drops and water jet.
may 2013 update
- bigger hole
- details (shadows, outline) on left hand
1 Wash and preferably disinfect your hands
thoroughly – before and after the application.
Open the catheter packaging a little, pour
some sterile water or saline solution into the
packaging and gently sway it.
Flocath Hydrogel
Step #2
Peel of sticker paper.
2 Hang up the catheter package to prepare
for the next step.
may 2013 update
- bigger hole
- details (shadows, outline) on right hand
3 Wait for 30 seconds while the catheter's
hydrophilic coating is activated.
0
Insert the catheter via the stoma into the
pouch until urine flows.
30
* The information provided here is no substitute for consulting a physician and carefully
reading the instructions for use.
Important addresses / self-help groups
Mitrofanoff Support
http://www.mitrofanoffsupport.co.uk
Bladder and Bowel Foundation
SATRA Innovation Park
Rockingham Road · Kettering · Northants – NN16 9JH
Helpline: 0845 345 0165 · General enquiries: 01536 533255
www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org
Disabled Living
Burrows House
10 Priestley Road · Wardley Industrial Estate · Worsley · Manchester – M28 2LY
Phone: 0161 607 8200
www.disabledliving.co.uk
Promocon
Provides advice and information on products and services to help manage bladder
and bowel problems
Redbank House · St Chads Street · Cheetham · Manchester – M8 8QA
Phone: 0161 834 2001
www.promocon.co.uk
International Continence Society
9 Portland Square · Bristol – BS2 8ST
Phone: 0117 9444881
www.icsoffice.org
NHS Direct
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
For health advice and reassurance, 24 hours a day, 364 days a year Phone: 111
TELEFLEX HEADQUARTER International, Ireland
Teleflex Medical Europe Ltd., IDA Business and Technology Park,
Dublin Road, Athlone, Co Westmeath, Ireland
Phone +353 (0)9 06 46 08 00 · Fax +353 (0)14 37 07 73
orders.intl@teleflex.com · www.teleflex.com
For detailed information see www.teleflex-homecare.com
© Teleflex 2011
The medical information was kindly supplied by
Dr. Vahlensieck (Lecturer). It is subject to change
on the basis of more recent medical findings. This
brochure is intended as a guide only and is not a
substitute for a visit to the doctor or for medical
treatment. Please always ask your physician if you
have medical problems.
Teleflex cannot accept any liability for the
accuracy or completeness of the information
given in this brochure.
Teleflex
St Mary's Court, The Broadway, Old Amersham
Buckinghamshire, HP7 0UT
Phone: +44 (0)1494 53 27 61 · Fax: +44 (0)1494 52 46 50
For further information contact your local representative.
All data current at time of printing (01/2014).
Subject to technical changes without further notice.
94 06 76 - 00 00 UK · REV A · MC / WM · 01 14 01